3 Presentation Skills For Holding Power as a Presenter

Like 16-50% of the population, I am an introvert. When I am able to enjoy time alone, my energy stores stock up in preparation for the next social interaction. As I continue to navigate the business world, I notice the areas where my introversion affects my ability to project strength on an issue or communicate an idea. During Monday morning staff meetings, I catch myself forming a valuable thought, but choosing, instead, to remain silent on a topic of discussion. When I miraculously gather the courage to express an idea or deliver a statement, it never quite comes across as impactful as I intended. Although introverts grapple with shyness on a regular basis, extroverts also struggle to hold power in their discussions with others.

Holding power as a presenter requires a complete understanding of your content, a commitment to your opinion, and a willingness to take the conversation one – or even two – steps further.

1. Conceptualize your message

As a content strategist at Ethos3, I have helped clients from various industries cut clutter from their content. Creating a streamlined narrative flow is the most precious gift you could ever give an audience. The road to a clarity begins by looking at your presentation as a whole. I find that most presenters start developing sections of their speech before considering the concept they are advancing. A segmented approach restricts speakers from centering on a primary theme or finding a compelling metaphor to elevate the impact of their ideas. Develop a 1-2 sentence summary of the presentation you want to give before setting up any other pieces of content. The process of formulating a thesis statement for your talk will help you stay on topic during your delivery – one of the presentation skills for holding power as a presenter.

2. Choose your method of delivery

You have options for displaying your presentation narrative. Evaluate the possibilities – taking note of the pros and cons associated with each option – and find the route that aligns with your speaking style.

  • A physical or digital script
  • Notes with bullet points as reminders
  • Nothing at all (just the message you’ve memorized)

The final option is what I would recommend if you want to exude major leadership chops. But a close second approach would be using speaker’s notes within your PowerPoint or Keynote file and placing a few trigger words within the blank space. Refer to the phrases only when necessary.

3. Establish a clear point of view

In 1777, William Pitt, the then-Earl of Chatham, gave a speech to the House of Lords titled, “An Address to the Throne Concerning Affairs in America.” Like many great speeches, Pitt outlined the problem at hand immediately. But what was the most astonishing – and powerful – part of Pitt’s speech was the substance. It was his courage to take a stand and express an opinion, even if the majority may not agree with him. During his address, Pitt spoke out against the introduction of Indians into the battle with Americans.

“I cannot, my Lords, I will not, join in congratulation on misfortune and grace.”

He clearly states his opposition. But, if you read more of the speech transcription, you’ll see that he disagrees respectfully – always addressing the audience as his “Lords.”

“These abominable principles, and this more abominable avowal of them, demand the most decisive indignation.”

Abominable. The rhetoric is undeniably passionate. Strive to be as enthusiastic and steadfast in your perspective as Pitt was in his denouncement of the mistreatment of the Indians.

If you didn’t notice, the 3 presentation skills outlined above are applicable to both extroverts and introverts. Each set of personality types can implement the concepts described. All steps of the process actually occur before you actually give the presentation.

For more presentation skills, check out the articles below:

Presentation Skills for Winning an Argument

Presentation Skills for Creating a Positive Audience Experience

3 Steps of Presentation Skills Training for Co-Presenters

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